My Experiences on Hub Pages
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MILESTONES
Tonight I reached several milestones, the most significant of which is that my statistics show I have had my 50,000th visitor this evening. Also, the slideshow reviews of my photographs have crossed the 25,000 mark, and I have had more than 8,000 comments. I now have 798 fans—close to another milestone. I do not report this to lament nor to brag, since I have no benchmarks by which to compare these numbers. I don't know if they are good, bad, or indifferent. That is why I am sharing them here, in case any of you wanted some type of benchmark.
HUBPAGES
It has been my pleasure to publish 95 Hubs, including this one, in seven months as a Hubber. This has been quite an experience. A friend told me about HubPages and since I had long harbored an inkling to write, I decided to give it a try. One of my fondest memories is when a few veteran Hubbers welcomed me warmly the very first few days. This gave me great encouragement, and so I have tried to pay that forward as much as possible.
HUBS
I would guess I spend an average of about twelve hours on each Hub, including research. I have published in 14 categories—in 8 topics more than in the others—though I was advised early on to specialize. The most response has been to Hubs about Hubbing, Relationships, and God (averaging around 1,000 page views each). In addition, my Hubs about Politics, History, and Art have attracted on average approximately 600 page views each. The others are back around the 400 mark, primarily on Travel, Aviation, Space Exploration, Music, and Baseball.
HUB PAGES
One thing that has surprised me a bit is the coming and going of Hubbers. The folks reading and commenting now are mostly different people than in the first few months. I almost quit once, in a huff about flags on a few of my Hubs. But that got smoothed out and I'm glad I stuck with it. I have read thousands of Hubs, too, so it has proven to be time-intensive. I haven't made much money. That has been a shocking disappointment. But I haven't invested much time in trying to figure out how to do that either. I'm always working on the next Hub. I keep hoping I'll be discovered. I should have learned from my 22 years in the music business. Maybe I need a manager or agent or PR person!
HUBBERS
Nonetheless, they say—whoever they are—that the joy is in the journey. And the journey has been a delight. I surely have enjoyed meeting so many people from around the world, reading their work, reading their comments on my work. The community here has been great. I have no sure fire formula for maximizing page views. Some Hubs that I thought would be well received have been relatively ignored; and some I thought would probably flop have gone over well. One odd thing, but a pleasant surprise, has been that quite a few have looked like flops (according to the numbers) for a month or so and all of a sudden gotten wings.
JAMES WATKINS
I have had two Hubs with over 2,000 page views: "Origin of Christianity" and "When did Christianity Start." There are nine others with over 1,000 page views: "Black Guys with White Girls" "Advice for Success on Hub Pages" "Liberals" "Goodbye my Friends" "Why I Love Women" "Why are Atheist Social Liberals so nasty on Hub Pages" "Art in my Home" "Partition America" and "Sexual Revolution". I've had five real dogs (fewer than 200 page views) including Baseball in America; White Summer II; White Summer: the Red Album; Space Shuttles; and Chicago Cubs Baseball part two. (That's the only time I used a "part two.")
THANK YOU
To close, I would like to thank my readers and friends for the encouragement and support you have given me. I am open to constructive criticism about my writing; photos; length of Hubs; choice of topics; or whatever. Any suggestions would be well received. Thank you all very much for coming to see me. I am grateful to each and every one. God Bless You and Keep You.
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thanks for sharing this...it gave me answers to some questions i had and didn't know i had...i am a newbie..i guess i will think of myself as a newbie for at least a year...and...reading your postings and others will help me grow...so thank you for sharing....ps
PegCole17— I agree with you. I have not figured this thing out yet. It is like sailing into the unknown for me—even after two years. :-)
You know, it really is odd the hubs that seem to take off and others that go nowhere. Glad to read of your experiences and to know that others like me haven't figured it all out yet. Still working on it.
biblicaliving— I agree with your philosophy completely. I look forward to reading your articles, which I will do soon. I never know for sure which of my Hubs will be popular. I just write about what strikes my fancy and throw it out there to see what happens. Thank you for the compliments. Good of you to visit.
Great Hub! Many sources say to pick one niche and write about it. So far I have written several articles, and most have been on different topics. Oddly enough, I wrote a fairly innocuous article that I didn't think would be all that popular, and it has been by far the "jewel" of the bunch. I say that we write about what we want to write about, and let our readers decide what should stay and what should go.
vocalcoach— # 1!? Well, I am honored to be held in such high esteem by such a wonderful lady. Thank you for offering your congratulations and blessings. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. :-)
...well James, you have been #1 on my list of hub writers ever since the day I read my first hub written by you. After 11 months, you still retain that position. This marvelous hub is an example of why I must read everything that you publish. Congratulations and God Bless. :)vocalcoach
Benoitsmidget— Me too! I look forward to coming over and reading some of your writings, which I will do soon. Thank you for visiting this Hub and leaving your kind comments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! God Bless You!
I'm glad you didn't quit writing because of the money aspect. I know I started Hubbing just because I love to write. I have bi-polar disorder and have loved to write for as long as I can remember, so now I use it as an outlet. I don't need statistics to make me feel better and I'm glad you realized the same for yourself. Keep up the good work. If you don't write...we can't read. God Bless
lightning john— Thank you for those kind comments, my friend. Your Hubs are mighty fine. I enjoy them. And I'm glad you have joined my here on HP.
I hope we do jam sometime. I have posted quite a few of my original songs on HubPages, e.g., "White Summer."
Hi there James, It takes a lot of time to produce a good hub, and I think that your writing is some of the best, I've always liked your writing from the start.
I also get discouraged at times, and even wonder why I do the hubpages, but then I reflect on all the great people that I have learned from while doing it, and that is what makes it worthwhile for me.
It was on that day four years ago, while working on your home in CollgePark that I spotted your white drum set.
I hadn't met you at that time, only Nancy had hired me, but I knew that I was going to have a connection with the person who played those drums. We haven't jammed together yet, but who knows I hope one day we will unite on that harmonious chord of music that brings so many people together. Peace be with you always.
Life Unplugged— Thank you for your kind words. You have lifted my spirits with your gracious comments. I surely appreciate this visit from you. And you are most welcome, too. :D
Hello James ,the best thing about your hubs are that you have been so open about your feelings ,your life ,your thoughts ,your views ,that makes me feel that I know you personally ,and that is so endearing about you !
Your life is like an open book ,honest to core !
Thanks for sharing !
lefseriver— I am well pleased that you have been encouraged. Thank you for letting me know. And you are welcome. :-)
Your comments on my hubs have been an encouragement to me. I am thankful you are on hub pages and continue to enjoy reading your hubs. Thanks.
Pollyannalana— Thank you for coming by to read one of my favorite Hubs. This one was fun and relaxing to put together. I appreciate your support. :D
Wow, I might could have said "I knew you when" but too late for that. Looks like I have some catching up to do. You shouldn't have warned me which not to read...J/K
Dara--- I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. That's me alright. Success? Means a lot of things to different people.
Hey, I got your package and I'll do your Hub next week.
My daughter, Sarrah, is on vacation in Napa right now.
Dara--- Hello my friend! Thank you for the congrats. This Christian surely knows how to have a good time, yes. :-)
My money has dried up and I've shifted gears. I am also part Indian.
Also, I love the how your pictures of you and your life for this hub depict aspects of who you are and eras of your life.
PS: Have you ever contemplated the word: SUCCESS.
Congratulations on your milestones and best of luck in future successes. I hope you celebrated the occasion and enjoyed yourself...I really do. You Christians do still know how to have a good time ...right?
But, now I see your transition from making lots of money to not thinking about the money. Now, I am confused because you kind of sound like me...but...I have an excuse: I am a Wanttobe Indian.
Chin chin— I am glad to be your new fan, too. I am pleased to have provided encouragement for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi. Glad to have read your experiences in HubPages. Hubs like this one encourage me to keep going in HubPages. Sure glad to be your fan. More blessings to you.
WayneAnsell— I am pleased that you found it useful. Thank you for joining my fanclub. I know you're new but you're off to a good start. Welcome to Hubpages!
Well, I learned alot from this hub. I have joined your fanclub. I am only 3 weeks old on hubpages. It's good to be a fan!
Dolores Monet— How nice to hear from you again! Thank you for the congrats. I appreciate it. I am glad I stuck with it, too. Writing and reading HubPages has brought a lot of pleasure to me. I'll keep going as long as I can.
James - wow - 50,000 views - that is a feat! Congratulations on that as well as your 100 hub. And 12 hours on a hub! That's a lot of work which just shows why your hubs are so darn good, well written and information rich.
I remember when there was that flurry of good hubbers quitting and I really hated that. I am glad that you stuck with it!
uliveulearn— Thank you for becoming my fan and reading my humble Hub. I enjoyed your profile page and look forward to reading your work. I appreciate the compliment. Welcome to HubPages!
Impressive work in such a short time. Stick with it. We live and learn much on this journey and I have no doubt the best is yet to come. Thanks for becoming my fan. I am happy to become yours.
Trsmd— Thank you for coming. I have had a great experience in HubPages. It is a wonderful platform.
swosugrad09— Thanks! I appreciate you swinging by and leaving your words of encouragement.
James.. you had very nice experienc here at hubpages. hope your enjoyed much and will continue.. keep going..
Congrats, thats so great!! Love your hubs, keep up the good writing and research!
Kebennett1— HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Did you come home a winner? I'm glad you're back. And I'm glad you had a relaxing vacation. The HubPages is quite a Community, isn't it. Thanks for the update.
James, me abandon my mentor, never :) Just a quick trip to Las Vegas with my husband for our 23rd Anniversary! My cousin and his wife flew in from Oregon and met us there. We stayed in our World Mark Condo and had a great, much needed, relaxing week. Hub withdrawals all week though! :) I missed everyone! Glad to be back!
50 Caliber— Thank you very much for the laudatory comments, 50. I will confess: I have been blessed with a very interesting life. I appreciate you reading my Hubs. Having a participatory audience makes the performance worthwhile for me. :-)
You know, I don't know how those points work either. I have gazed upon them aplenty, but I can't make rhyme or reason out of them.
You are welcome. Writing is my pleasure and to hear that somebody really likes what I produce, well it just makes a man feel good.
James keep writing! You have a great style and very thorough on your topics. I registered here to leave a comment on a hub, then a few months later I did a search for Christian Articles and it brought me back to the hub pages and one of your hubs. I've been reading your Hubs since. It's hard to keep up! The more I read the more interesting your life seems to be.
I think your writing an autobiography would be great! I have learned much from your writing, you are blessed in your capabilities. I read your hubs almost daily with my coffee.
I don't know how the points are set, if it's by visits and reading or by comments. If it's by comments I'll need to start leaving a hello on each Hub.
Thank you for all your knowledge and writing about it!
Kebennett1— Where have you been, girl!? I thought you had abandoned me! :-)
Thank you. I appreciate your wonderful compliments. You always lift me up.
James, Wow, I go away for a week and look what happens :)
Congratulations-Go James! You are such an excellent writer, I can certainly understand why you have such a great following! Your topics are interesting and your research thorough. The images you use are always perfect. I especially love your Hubs on Art and the History of Christianity, they are the best I have found. You also have a wonderful way of responding to your comments. You always appear to be genuinely thankful and have kind things to say. So keep up the writing and your fans will keep coming back!
PashaS— If you'll work on commission,I'm your man! I'm glad you came.
PR?? I'm your girl... and continued success on your hubs!
pastella13— Thank you for your gracious remarks. I appreciate you for visiting me and leaving your words on this page.
Wow, you've done so well and in such a short time. You're proof that you get back what you put in. You deserve lots of success.
create a page— Thank you! Thank you very much. I had no idea I was one of your favorite Hubbers. We do indeed have a lot in common. I would love to tutor history!
I wear sunglasses only because I have few photographs of myself. I generally shun being photographed. Of the photos I have, my avatar is one of my favorites because I love the background—Monaco!
Thank you so much for your kind comments.
GeneralHowitzer— Thank you very much for visiting my Hub and leaving word that you did. :-)
Congratulations James. I am proud of you and very glad that I contributed to your statistics by reading your hubs. You are one of my favorite hubbers, so I consider your success to be mine also. You inspire me to always do my best. In fact, your hub:
http://hubpages.com/hub/advice-for-success-on-hubp
has helped me along the way.
With regards to receiving an income from hubpages, I think the subject we choose may determine how much we will make, as mentioned by Mark Knowles in one of his hubs.
We both are believers and we also have an interest in history. I taught history for years and I enjoyed every minute of it. You can tutor in history if you have time since you have such a passion.
I have one question for you though. Is there a special reason why you wear dark glasses in your avatar? I think they hide who you truly are.
A way to go James... Great Milestones you just whipped out... Cheers Buddy...
Ben Zoltak— Thank you. I appreciate your comments, Ben. And you are welcome.
James
Hey James, up beat and easy come easy go attitude, I like it. Thanks for the bench mark, another well written piece.
Ben
Jessica Jones— Hello! Welcome to HubPages. I hope you have found a home here. You perceptions are true. This is a great platform for writing. I'm glad you have joined us, and I look forward to reading your words.
James
Hi James. WOW. You have done exceptionally well in such a short time! Well done. I'm new here so will need to spend some time going through your older hubs. I've been searching for quite a while for a site that combines ease of use, great community and quality content. Looks like Hub Pages meets all these requirements. Regards, Jessica
iantoPF— What wonderful things you have to say! I am gratified to read them here. Thank you so much. You have buoyed my spirits!
Gypsy Willow— It's been a long time since we've talked. I need to get over and see what you've been writing. Thanks for your words.
Congratulations James the milestones are quite something. I thought I would write these killer articles that people would flock to read and I would just sit back and live off my pay pal account. I guess it doesn't work that way.
However I want you to know that I'm trying to emulate you in the quality of work. ( The subjects are rather different I'm sure you noticed )
I'll keep reading your work because it is so fascinating and informative and also because I learn so much about the art of writing from you.
May there be many and greater milestones ahead.
Glad you're still writing James. My earnings are abysmal too!
janiek13— Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! I am glad you read my article. Thank you for this visit and the encouragement.
Kaie Arwen— I am amazed at your thoughtful, insightful, poetic comments here. Thank you very much and you are welcome. I'm your latest fan! :-)
Shaz123— You are welcome. Thank you very much for this visit; your fine remarks; and becoming my fan. I do appreciate it.
Jeffrey Neal— Thank you, Jeffrey, for your kind words. I appreciate you coming by to visit.
Hi! Very nice writing! I stopped by the site to pick up my url and I stayed to read your article. Keep writing, they tell me the money will come.
Milestones are amazing, but I don't think you've gotten anywhere close to where you're going. Everyday gives us just one more. Sometimes we have to jump over them, sometimes we just stare at the mile marker like someone's playing a joke on us, and at other times we push that marker a little further into the ground just to prove to ourselves that we've been there.
Thanks for sharing
Oh Man Thats Totally amazing .....
I like the whole part of ur experience .
Thanks For The great Hub .
And am looking forward for more work and ur response .
And am very glad to become a fan of urs
Thanks
Regards
Shaz
James, nice to read, and I believe these are some accomplishments worthy of compliment, so my congratulations go to you for your milestones. 1000 fans shouldn't be that far away since I think you craft some very good hubs.
donnaisabella— You're welcome. I'm glad you are here, too. I'm going to come read one of your Hubs in just a minute. The word is that specializing is the way to go. I can't help myself but be contrary. :)
Thanks for your comments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Thank you, I am so glad I met and became your fan. I loved reading this blog, I am sure it contains a lot of information that many of us hubbers would like to read. God bless you and I hope to read as much of your materials as I can. I am specializing and might only diverge into non-fiction fiction God permitting.
drpastorcarlotta— Thank you. :) I wouldn't compare writing Hubs for free to receiving a 2nd doctorate. Geez Louise! That is a huge accomplishment! (Yours I mean.)
OH, I am so PROUD of my James! It feel so nice to succeed in something! That's the way I felt when I received my second Doctorate and 12 hours of research, I know how that feels!! lol, lol, You must love what you do and your GOOD at it!! I am glad to be your FAN!!! Blessings!!
successfulblogger— Thank you and welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Congratulations!
skye2day— Thank you, dear. :-)
I don't know anything about a "hub mob." Is this something I should know about?
That is why you be looking so good. You have an awesome stylist.:) Hugs I wrote that for hub mob weekley topic.
maggs224— Thank you, dear. It's nice to hear from you again. I appreciate your kind words. I enjoy your Hubs.
I found this hub fascinating to read, we joined about the same time but you are more prolific and more successful than I am by a long way and deservedly so. Congratulations on all your well earned milestones and I am sure that it won’t be long now before we read about you breaking through the 100,000 barrier.
Nemingha— Thank you. You always read my Hubs!? That is praise enough. You're funny. Somebody keeps stealing your lines, eh?
skye2day— I love your comments. You are a ray of sunshine to me. You have uplifted me through your encouragement and affirmation. And I thank you.
Madame X— Thank you for your gracious remarks. It is nice to be called "charming." :D
I think very highly of you, too.
You have done extremely well here James and you should be proud of your achievements. I always read your hubs and give them a thumbs up, but these days I find that by the time I get to the end of your comments, at least six other people have said what I wanted to say!
Hi James,
what stats, Great job. I believe the Holy Spirit works through you to touch many lives. It is no mistake that in 7 months you have a host of readers. You ARE to be here. You are a gifted writer. Each hub is for a reason, even if it only touches one individual.
It takes me 12 to 15 hour's per hub. I edit till I am blue.It is a journey indeed.It would be neat to have a hub party, and all hubbers meet in some city. Just a thought. I have a host of new friends. You being one of them. You have been an inspiration James. I have learned a great deal from your journey. I enjoyed this hub, a bit different from your other writes. God has big plans for you I feel it in my Spirit. I think one day you will publish a book, then you have to send copies to your hub friends Thank you for reading a 'letter from above' Your comments are heartfelt. Thank You. That was more of a 'song' I wrote. No musician picked up on that yet.It is what it is. I am glad you enjoyed. Blessings
Love Ya Hugs
James - I'm not one bit surprised at these fantastic numbers. Anyone as charming and prolific as you are would have them. Your subjects are always interesting and no matter rude someone gets you're always a gentleman - a rarity these days. Congratulations, and keep at it :)
dusanotes— You are too kind, my friend. You are most welcome. :D
prettydarkhorse— Thank you, Maita! I appreciate your compliments.
James
No, thank you, James. Your Hubs are all amazing. This one is maybe the most amazing, telling us what a really successful Hubber does. Most of us can only look on in awe! Thanks for being there with us. Don White
Hi, Congratulations! I know you will have more and more views because you write with passion and you are a good writer!
Cheers! Maita
anjalichugh— Thank you! Congratulations to you, too. You've only been in four months longer, and you have a little over half the number of Hubs as I do, so I'd say you're doing great. I appreciate your sweet compliments. You are a nice lady. :-)
Hi James: That indeed is a great achievement. Congratulations! I, too, am very close to 50,000 views but then I've been here longer than you have so not a big deal for me. You are one of my favorite hubbers and I know its going to stay that way for a loooong time. Wish you all the best in all you do. :)
What great accomplishments, James! I'm happy to be one of your many, many fans. I do hope you get "discovered" soon!
lorlie6— Thank you very much. Hercules is indeed fabulous. I appreciate your encouragement.
A landmark indeed! I am proud to have become your fan early on in my HP experience-I particularly enjoy your hubs on your travels.
Congratulations.
PS: Hercules is fabulous!
Bail Up ! — Thank you! Great to hear from you. Thanks for coming by.
Janetta— You always look great!
emievil— YES!!! YOU ARE MY 800th FAN!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I STARED AT THE 799 ALL NIGHT AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE.
dave272727— A million looks a long way off, but one never knows. Thank you for your kind words, Dave. I appreciate the visit.
DeBorrah K. Ogans— Thank you, dear. Comprehensive. Now there's a good word. I appreciate that, DeBorrah. You are sure welcome. God Bless You!
WOW , Congratulations on those stats!
Veronica for now, James ;)
Congrats on all your milestones. You reached another one - I'm your 800th fan :). Hope you continue to write and inspire everybody to reach what you have reached.
James,
You are an inspiration. These are amazing numbers to have. I think we need to start a pool on how long it takes to hit 1,000,000!
James A. Watkins, CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done Professor! That is remarkable, you certainly have put in your time. Your hubs are certainly diverse, comprehensive and informative! You are consistently meticulous as well. Thank you for sharing such a wealth of topics. In His Love & Blessings!
cosette— So nice to hear from you again! You are pretty cute yourself. Why, if I was six months younger . . .
James A Watkins Hub Author 7 months ago
pstraubie48— I too lived in Central Florida for 18 years until I moved back to the Midwest two years ago. Welcome to the HubPages Community!
I am so glad that you found this Hub to be useful to you. Thank you for saying so. I appreciate this visit and your comments. :-)
And you are welcome.